This Is What Happens When Acarine Mites Infest A Hive

Tracheal mite

Beekeeping has been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years, providing valuable products like honey, beeswax, and propolis. However, in recent times beekeeping has faced numerous challenges, with one of the most pressing being the presence of acarine mites. These microscopic parasites can cause significant damage to bee colonies, leading to weakened immune systems, lower productivity, and even colony collapse. Beekeepers must be aware of acarine mites and take proactive steps to prevent and manage infestations. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about acarine mites, including how to identify them, the damage they can cause, and the steps you can take to keep your bees healthy and thriving.

What are Acarine Mites?

In the early 1900s, the honey bee population on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom was decimated by a disease that became known as the Isle of Wight disease. The disease spread to other parts of the UK. In 1919, it was discovered that the Acarapis woodi parasite was present in the trachea of adult honeybees. It became clear that it was these same tracheal mites that had led to the Isle of Wight disease earlier in the century.

With the spread of acarine mites to mainland UK and other parts of Europe, the U.S. imposed a ban on the import of live bees in 1922. However, the disease continued to spread to other parts of the world and is believed to have reached the U.S. in the 1980s via Mexico.

Acarine mites are tiny, oval-shaped mites that live and reproduce in the trachea of adult honeybees. They enter the trachea of the bee through the spiracles (respiratory openings), which are found on the thorax or midsection of the bee.

Symptoms of Acarine Mite Infestation

If left untreated, acarine mites can lead to the death of the honey bee by clogging the breathing tubes and depriving them of oxygen. Bees that are affected by acarine mites often have distended abdomens and disjointed wings, leaving them unable to fly. The wings project outwards, and this symptom is known as ‘K-wing.’ The colony might also show signs of lethargy or excessive swarming.

It is vital then that the beekeeper be able to identify the presence of acarine mites in their colony so that they can act immediately to reduce the impact of the infestation.

How Acarine Mites Spread

Mature female acarine mites enter the spiracles of young bees, typically when these first emerge as it is during the first nine days that they are susceptible to infestation. As mentioned above, the acarine mites lay their eggs in the trachea and, upon hatching, the larvae feed on the blood of the host bee. Over the course of their transition to adulthood, the larvae molt several times. Upon maturation, they will be ready to infect new emerging bees.

Female mites lay around five to seven eggs over the course of three to four days. Male mites usually reach maturing within eleven to twelve days while female mites generally take around fourteen to fifteen days to reach full maturity. The mites mate within the same trachea in which they have hatched and matured.

The female mites typically leave the trachea to find new bee hosts at night time when the older bees are in closer contact with young bees. Upon leaving the trachea of the bee through its spiracle, the female acarine mite will attach itself to the tip of its host’s hair. Once the host brushes against another bee, the mite will transfer to the hair of the passing bee and enter its thorax through a spiracle.

Acarine mite infestation depends on close contact between foraging worker bees and young bees, which explains why female mites tend to leave their host to find a new one at night. It also explains why acarine mite infestation increases during periods of poor weather when worker bees are unable to leave the hive.

How to Detect Acarine Mites

If you have noticed that your bees seem lethargic and unable to fly properly, it is worth taking a close look to see if you can spot the signs of disjointed wings. While K-wings are common among bees affected by acarine mites, this symptom will not always present and its absence does not mean your bees are not affected. If your bees do have K-wings, you might notice that the hooks that normally hold the wings together have become detached.

If you own a microscope, you could detect an acarine mite infestation yourself by carrying out a dissection on a dead bee. Look at the primary trachea under the microscope at a magnification of at least 40.

Urban Beekeeping - Managing Hives in City Environments
  • Carter, Anthony (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 194 Pages - 02/28/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

If the bee in question had been infested by mites, the trachea will be affected by a dark staining or a patchy discoloration (caused by the feeding of the mites). An uninfected bee will have an intact trachea that is creamy-white in color.

When trying to detect acarine mite infestation, it is important to sample at the right time as the population of mites will vary from season to season. For example, you are far more likely to detect acarine mites during early spring, late fall, or winter, which is when bee populations tend to be at their lowest and when there is a high number of older bees.

Prevention and Treatment of Acarine Mites

It is difficult to prevent acarine mite infestation, but regular checking and cleaning can help. Fortunately, there are a couple of natural treatments available to tackle such an infestation and which will have no harmful impact on your bee colony.

Grease Patties

Grease patties are a popular method for tackling an acarine mite infestation. This natural method involves mixing one-part solid vegetable shortening with two to three parts granulated or powdered sugar. Once mixed, the beekeeper can place a patty on the top bars of the hive. It is typically placed in the center as this is where it is most likely to come into contact with the bees. Some beekeepers add natural oil extracts such as spearmint or lemongrass to their patties to make them more attractive to the bees.

The bees ingest the sugar and in so doing pick up traces of shortening which in turn disrupts the female mite’s ability to find the young bees. The mite cannot survive for more than a few hours outside of the host, so grease patties are an effective way of tackling acarine mite infestations.

Menthol

Menthol is another method of addressing an infestation of acarine mites. Menthol packets should be placed in the hive. However, where these are placed is temperature dependent.

As the menthol is exposed to specific air temperatures, it will vaporize and the colony fills with its fumes. The bees will breath the vapor, which will in turn kill the mites in their tracheae. It is important to keep the menthol in the hive for a period of two weeks to ensure all mites are exterminated. You will need two ounces of menthol for every two-story hive that you have.   

Acarine Mites – Conclusion

Acarine mites are a type of parasitic mite that can cause significant damage to honey bee populations worldwide, especially in the presence of other stressors such as poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and disease. Acarine mites feed on the hemolymph of adult bees and can weaken or kill entire colonies if left untreated. The symptoms of acarine infestations can be difficult to identify, as they can mimic other diseases and stress factors, but include a range of signs such as deformed wings, crawling bees, and reduced lifespan.

Fortunately, there are several effective methods for managing acarine mite infestations, including chemical treatments, biological controls, and cultural practices such as integrated pest management (IPM). By regularly monitoring hives for signs of acarine mites and implementing appropriate treatment measures, beekeepers can help to minimize the impact of these pests on their bees and prevent the spread of diseases to other colonies. Additionally, beekeepers can take steps to promote the overall health and resilience of their bees, such as providing proper nutrition, maintaining clean hives, and breeding bees for resistance to acarine mites and other pests and diseases.

Overall, effective acarine mite management is critical for the success of beekeeping operations and the survival of honeybee populations worldwide. With the right knowledge, tools, and dedication, beekeepers can help to protect their bees and contribute to a sustainable and thriving beekeeping industry.

Beekeeping Disclaimer:

Beekeeping, like any agricultural activity, involves inherent risks. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Potential risks associated with beekeeping include:

  1. Bee stings: Honey bees are generally not aggressive but can become defensive if they feel threatened or their hive is disturbed. Bee stings can cause allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in some individuals, which can be life-threatening. It is important to wear protective clothing and follow best practices when handling bees to minimize the risk of stings.
  2. Diseases and pests: Bees can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests, including mites, viruses, and bacterial infections. These can have significant impacts on bee colonies, leading to reduced honey production or even colony collapse. It is important to monitor hives regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat diseases and pests.
  3. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as drought or cold temperatures, can affect the health and productivity of bee colonies. It is important to ensure that hives are appropriately sheltered and provided with adequate food and water.
  4. Environmental hazards: Bees can be affected by environmental hazards such as pesticide exposure, pollution, and habitat loss. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate measures to protect bee colonies and promote healthy environments for bees.
  5. Legal requirements: Beekeeping may be subject to local, state, or national regulations, such as registration or inspection requirements. It is important to be aware of these requirements and comply with them.

While beekeeping can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in beekeeping, beekeepers can help ensure the health and productivity of their hives and contribute to the well-being of bee populations worldwide.

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My new Word Search Puzzle Book is now available! "Bee & Beekeeping Related Word Search Puzzle Book"

X
Scroll to Top